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VermontTaco

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Really liking the KO3's so far. I only have 100 or so miles on them, so this is really an early / high level review. Some context before getting into more details - I live in the northeast in a snowy area, and was considering a few different options in 275/70/18 before settling on the KO3's:
  • Ridge Grapplers
  • KO3's
  • Toyo open country 3's
  • Wildpeak A/T 4's
For me, the KO3's represent a great combination of off-road capability, on-road comfort, snow performance and overall appearance. I know that a few of the other options may perform slightly better in the snow (like the Wildpeaks), but after talking with some guys around my area that have tried these tires, everyone agreed that the KO3's were strong enough snow performers.

Because I've had them for less than a week, I haven't had a chance to get them too dirty yet, but I expect they will perform well. More to come later once I get off-road.

On-road driving is good and getting better now that I've dialed in the psi. The installer set my tire pressure on the high side and a bit random - I had one at 44, one at 39, and two at 42. The initial ride felt generally good, but with some vibration and bouncing at various speeds. A little rough out of the gate TBH. I brought them down to 37 and the on-road ride feel really improved, nearly the same as the stock wranglers. I'd like to go a bit lower and likely will when we get more snow.

Acceleration seems about the same. I'm not too far past break-in, so I wasn't really hitting it hard before the swap so not the best comparison. But living and driving between 2-3K feet in elevation everyday, the turbo seems to be doing its job well. Not much different from stock so far.

Coasting on the highway seems about the same, not a lot of deceleration when laying off the gas. I still need to better measure MPG, I assume it will be slightly worse by 2-3 MPG.

I did ask the shop to see if this size would fit in the spare compartment, but they weren't able to. This is snow tire swap season, and these guys are working like crazy so I didn't want to push them.

Overall appearance? I really love how they look. This size seems to be the right fit for TH's. But that's just my thinking, opinions may vary. Pics below.


2024 Tacoma 275/70/18 KO3 tires on a Trailhunter - initial review IMG_0797
2024 Tacoma 275/70/18 KO3 tires on a Trailhunter - initial review IMG_0798
2024 Tacoma 275/70/18 KO3 tires on a Trailhunter - initial review IMG_0796
2024 Tacoma 275/70/18 KO3 tires on a Trailhunter - initial review IMG_0799
2024 Tacoma 275/70/18 KO3 tires on a Trailhunter - initial review IMG_0784.JPG
2024 Tacoma 275/70/18 KO3 tires on a Trailhunter - initial review IMG_0780.JPG
2024 Tacoma 275/70/18 KO3 tires on a Trailhunter - initial review IMG_0781.JPG
2024 Tacoma 275/70/18 KO3 tires on a Trailhunter - initial review IMG_0791.JPG
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Lets_Taco_Bout_It

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Love it! Twins! Canā€™t wait to see your review of them in the snow
 

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Kdbradley85

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Looks awesome! So I have a buddy who put 275/70R17 KO3s on his PreRunner, and I ordered a set of the Trailhunter wheels for my TRD OR. After seeing those tires on his PreRunner, I'm really leaning towards the KO3s. The stock tire size on the Trailhunter is 265/70R18, and I was originally planning to stick with that size because of my concerns with rubbing, and it looks pretty tight with 275s on the Trailhunter which has a bit of a lift over the standard OR's suspension, so I think I'm gonna stick with the 265s just to be safe. I'm expecting a bit of poke with the different wheels as it is. The only downside for me is the load rating on the BFGs. Not sure why they don't offer them in a "C" or "SL" rating since every other tire manufacturer seems to. I think I heard they will be early next year.
 

tacorancher

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My 275/70/18 Falken AT4Ws look great but ride really rough / hard. Wondering if I should switch to these.

Anyone have experience with both? If anyone is in Houston with the KO3s ... let me know! I'd love to do a comparison.
 
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VermontTaco

VermontTaco

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Looks awesome! So I have a buddy who put 275/70R17 KO3s on his PreRunner, and I ordered a set of the Trailhunter wheels for my TRD OR. After seeing those tires on his PreRunner, I'm really leaning towards the KO3s. The stock tire size on the Trailhunter is 265/70R18, and I was originally planning to stick with that size because of my concerns with rubbing, and it looks pretty tight with 275s on the Trailhunter which has a bit of a lift over the standard OR's suspension, so I think I'm gonna stick with the 265s just to be safe. I'm expecting a bit of poke with the different wheels as it is. The only downside for me is the load rating on the BFGs. Not sure why they don't offer them in a "C" or "SL" rating since every other tire manufacturer seems to. I think I heard they will be early next year.
Agreed. Wish they had them in a C or SL rating.

You'll be absolutely safe with the 265's, and they will look good on those rims. Im guessing they are a little lighter than the 275's too.
 

Kielly

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How do KO2/KO3 perform on packed snow/ice?

I keep getting steals on Duratracs. Just paid $100 for two practically brand new tires only for that I'd probably go the KO2 route

Definitely wouldn't recommend Duratracs. They proved themselves offroad but when it comes to packed down snow they're not so happy, that's any 10ply I guess.
 
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VermontTaco

VermontTaco

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From what I heard from others, KO3's preform measurably better in snow/packed snow than KO2's. Clearly not as good as dedicated snows or studded, but overall good enough. Once we get a good storm, I plan on posting a review.
 

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JaidenA

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Looks awesome! I'm assuming you haven't taken the crash plates out of the front wheel wells? I'm still curious if your spare still fits under the bed too. Thanks for sharing, this is probably how I'm going to go when my TH eventually shows up.
 
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VermontTaco

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Looks awesome! I'm assuming you haven't taken the crash plates out of the front wheel wells? I'm still curious if your spare still fits under the bed too. Thanks for sharing, this is probably how I'm going to go when my TH eventually shows up.
Didn't take the crash plates out, there is enough space. Hope you get your truck soon!
 

timetoeatpotatoes

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Looks real nice. I've been waffling on if i upgrade and what to. Looking at At4w and KO3, wish the KO3 had SL.

I do offroad but honestly street is where i spend most of my time so noise and MPG are a bit of a concern too
 

JaidenA

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Didn't take the crash plates out, there is enough space. Hope you get your truck soon!
I'm thinking next week, did the contract yesterday, It's at a railyard like 100 miles from the dealer, waiting to get it on a truck now.
 

PullinDoubles

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Really liking the KO3's so far. I only have 100 or so miles on them, so this is really an early / high level review. Some context before getting into more details - I live in the northeast in a snowy area, and was considering a few different options in 275/70/18 before settling on the KO3's:
  • Ridge Grapplers
  • KO3's
  • Toyo open country 3's
  • Wildpeak A/T 4's
For me, the KO3's represent a great combination of off-road capability, on-road comfort, snow performance and overall appearance. I know that a few of the other options may perform slightly better in the snow (like the Wildpeaks), but after talking with some guys around my area that have tried these tires, everyone agreed that the KO3's were strong enough snow performers.

Because I've had them for less than a week, I haven't had a chance to get them too dirty yet, but I expect they will perform well. More to come later once I get off-road.

On-road driving is good and getting better now that I've dialed in the psi. The installer set my tire pressure on the high side and a bit random - I had one at 44, one at 39, and two at 42. The initial ride felt generally good, but with some vibration and bouncing at various speeds. A little rough out of the gate TBH. I brought them down to 37 and the on-road ride feel really improved, nearly the same as the stock wranglers. I'd like to go a bit lower and likely will when we get more snow.

Acceleration seems about the same. I'm not too far past break-in, so I wasn't really hitting it hard before the swap so not the best comparison. But living and driving between 2-3K feet in elevation everyday, the turbo seems to be doing its job well. Not much different from stock so far.

Coasting on the highway seems about the same, not a lot of deceleration when laying off the gas. I still need to better measure MPG, I assume it will be slightly worse by 2-3 MPG.

I did ask the shop to see if this size would fit in the spare compartment, but they weren't able to. This is snow tire swap season, and these guys are working like crazy so I didn't want to push them.

Overall appearance? I really love how they look. This size seems to be the right fit for TH's. But that's just my thinking, opinions may vary. Pics below.


IMG_0797.jpg
IMG_0798.jpeg
IMG_0796.jpg
IMG_0799.jpg
IMG_0784.JPG
IMG_0780.JPG
IMG_0781.JPG
IMG_0791.JPG
Great tires. Got the same size on my Off Road. 33.2 inch tires is perfect.
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